Robert C. Boyce

Published in the San Diego Union-Tribune on 6/12/2008.

Robert C. Boyce, born January 30, 1924, in Rockford, Illinois, passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer on May 21, 2008. Bob was with his wife and two of his children, Debra and Robert. Bob was a devoted husband to Maxine for nearly 59 years, a devoted father and grandfather and a great friend to many. He lived in Rancho Bernardo for the last 21 years, enjoying his retirement and lots of tennis. Bob will be deeply missed.

Having survived as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Div. 511 in 1945, receiving a Bronze Star and Purple Heart, he went on to play professional baseball as a pitcher in the Minor leagues, earn a Masters Degree from Columbia University, teach, coach, marry, have children and grandchildren living each day with the deepest level of integrity, honor, charity, patience and love. He was truly a great man.

Bob was a successful Real Estate Investor but always made time for coaching and teaching his children. In his retirement he was an active Board member at Swim and Tennis and the Eastview Community Center both in Rancho Bernardo. Bob's tennis ability earned him a highly ranked spot on the SoCal 80's team and as a doubles winner in the 2007 80's Grand Prix with his partner Fran Jones. Bob's last tennis game was less than 30 days before his passing. He was an inspiration to all who knew him, a kind and generous person that touched so many throughout his life.

Mr. Boyce is survived by his wife Maxine, their children, Randy, Debra, Janice, and Robert and their ten grandchildren, Chasen, Grant, Travis, Miles, Jade, Bradley, Logan, Wyatt, Garrett and Cameron. Mr. Boyce was preceded in death by son Bradley, at age 5.

Services will be held at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma on Tuesday, June 10th, at 11:00 a.m. A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held at the Eastview Tennis Club, 17520 Drayton Hall Way in Rancho Bernardo from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. the same day.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in hopes for a cure for cancer.